Online Social Media

Birla Institute Of Technology And Science–Pilani (BITS–Pilani) via Coursera

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Details

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Provider

Coursera
Pricing

Paid Course
Languages

English
Certificate

Paid Certificate Available
Duration & workload

3 days 2 hours 54 minutes
Sessions

On-Demand
Subtitles

English

Found in

Overview

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Master the dynamic world of social media through comprehensive exploration of its evolution, impact, and future. This course equips you with critical thinking skills to analyze social media platforms, understand their theoretical foundations, and navigate digital spaces responsibly. You'll trace social media's evolution from early platforms to modern ecosystems, examining diverse platforms including microblogging, media sharing, professional networking, and messaging apps. Explore foundational theories such as Uses and Gratification Theory, Media Ecology Theory, and Diffusion of Innovation Theory to understand how social media shapes communication and society. Develop practical skills for the digital age by examining digital identity formation, privacy concerns, ethical considerations, and cybersecurity practices. Learn how to leverage social media for career advancement while understanding the psychological impacts, authenticity challenges, and safety concerns of online interactions. This course uniquely combines theoretical frameworks with real-world applications, preparing you to engage critically with social media as both a user and professional. Through interactive dialogues, case studies, and hands-on assignments, you'll gain the knowledge and confidence to navigate the evolving social media landscape responsibly and effectively.

Syllabus

Humans are Social Media

The "Humans are Social Media" module aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of social media's etymology and its significance in the modern world. Students will explore the evolution from early platforms to the birth of modern socoial media, understanding the drawbacks of early social networking. By the end, students will have a nuanced perspective on the historical development, importance, and challenges associated with social media, enabling them to engage in informed discussions about its role in society.

Clicking Through Time: The Evolution and Diversity of Social Media

Students who complete the "The Evolution and Diversity of Social Media" module will receive a brief introduction to the leading social media platforms. The module's coverage of discussion forums, media sharing, professional networking, microblogging, and sharing of visual information attempts to provide students with an understanding of the distinctive qualities and contributions of each. Students will be thoroughly aware of the varied social media environment by the end, allowing them to interact efficiently with the constantly changing online platforms.

Social Theory

The "Social Theory" module explores various theories interlinked with social media. The module goes through theories such as Uses and gratification theory, Diffusion of innovation theory and media ecology theory. This module offers a comprehensive exploration of social theory, providing students with a foundational understanding of the various perspectives, concepts, and debates that shape our understanding of society.

Social Media Reality

The "Social Media Reality" module aims to give students a critical perspective on key aspects of social media. Students will explore the ideologies shaping content and interactions, critically assess exploitation instances, and examine access disparities across demographics. The module also delves into the interconnected growth of social media with the popularity of the internet. By the end, students will be equipped with insights to navigate the complex landscape of social media, fostering a critical understanding of its impact on society.

Identity, Once an Elusive Concept

The "Identity, Once an Elusive Concept" module provides students with a concise exploration of personal identity in the digital age. It covers the complexities of online and offline identity, the influence of algorithms on digital lock-in, strategies for managing digital overuse, and the prevalence of cyberbullying. The module also delves into the intricacies of privacy in the digital era. By the end, students will gain a critical understanding of these key aspects, enabling them to navigate the complexities of personal identity in today's interconnected world.

Ethics of Social Media

The "Ethics of Social Media" module delves into the complex ethical considerations surrounding the use and impact of social media platforms in contemporary society. It explores the multifaceted intersection of technology, communication, and ethics, aiming to equip participants with a critical understanding of the ethical dilemmas inherent in the digital realm.

Towards a Truly Social Media

The "Towards a Truly Social Media" module explores social media dynamics. Students analyze the need vs. want for social media, examine 2021 demographic trends, and assess social media's response to COVID-19. The module prompts anticipation of future trends, fostering a critical understanding of social media's evolving role. Students gain insights into motivations, demographics, and potential developments in this dynamic landscape.

Employment in Social Media

The "Employment in Social Media" module explores the dynamic landscape of employment through social media, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills needed to leverage these platforms effectively in their job search and career advancement.

Exploring Digital Concerns in Social Media

In this module, you will delve into the various concerns surrounding social media use. Explore concepts such as privacy, authenticity, informed consent, and anonymity, gaining an understanding of the risks associated with sharing personal information online. Analyse real-world examples of these concerns in social media interactions. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the digital challenges you may encounter on social media platforms and will be equipped with the knowledge to navigate them effectively.

Ensuring Safety and Promoting Positive Behavior

In this module, you will focus on strategies to ensure safety while using social media platforms and promote positive online behavior within digital communities. Through interactive activities and discussions, you will explore cybersecurity practices, seek support networks for addressing online safety concerns, engage in digital advocacy efforts, and demonstrate resilience in navigating challenging online environments. By the end of the module, you will be empowered to navigate social media platforms safely and responsibly, contributing to a positive digital culture and advocating for online safety within your communities.